Satyagraha

‘Satyagraha’ is a Hindi
political thriller drama which is released on 30th August. The movie is directed by
Prakash Jha and is co-produced by Prakash Jha, Siddharth Roy Kapur and Ronnie
Screwvala. The lead characters of the movie are Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn,
Manoj Bajpai, arjun Rampal and Kareena Kapoor. Amrita Rao also acts in the
movie.

Prakash Jha’s movies from
‘Rajneeti’ to ‘Aarakshan’ have always projected social issues and concerns.
Like his earlier movies, his current movie ‘Satyagraha’ finds its roots into
the socio political situation of the country. The story has captured various
real life issues faced recently by the people of this country be it highway
scam or 2G scam. The movie also captures essence from the ongoing movement by Anna
Hazare. The movie has mysterious resemblance to his character.

The story revolves around an
ambitious telecom czar Manav Raghvendra (Ajay Devgn) who is destined to climb
professional and corporate ladder. A personal tragedy exposes him to widespread
corruption prevalent within and outside the system. He takes help from an
idealistic person Dwarka Anand (Amitabh Bachchan), who also goes by Gandhian
philosophy and together they start a revolution. Yasmin Ahmad (Kareena Kapoor)
is a journalist who helps the satyagrahis. Manoj Bajpai is a corrupt and young
politician who wants to break and bend system and rules for his personal gain.

The story narration is
compelling to the core that you wait for the final dictum. Alas, Prakash Jha
tried to be politically safe. There are symptoms, causes but no visible remedy.
The movie will entertain audience but will not make them angry enough to think
for a similar revolution in real life. It fails to shake souls. On the whole,
the motive is wasted. Well, a movie is made for entertainment, right? If
audience goes to theater with the same mindset, they won’t be disappointed.

Prakash Jha has roped in A
grade actors. He has failed to bring justice to their part. Kareena’s shots are
small and majorly insignificant. Her character seems less real with perfectly
rimmed kohl eyes in the dusty patches of ‘Ram-leela maidan’ from where she
reports the ‘satyagraha’ speeches. Manoj Bajpai is good with his shades of
grey. But his acting seems hackneyed. Audience has seen similar acting in ‘Rajneeti’.
Amitabh Bachchan presents his larger than life image here also. Ajay Devgn has
justified his role.

Overall, the movie is one time
watch but it cannot be a second ‘Rang De Basanti’ which ignited a fire of
consciousness among audience.